Our CEO, Rahul Tikoo, was a part of the CII Annual Chemical Conclave 2024 roundtable, where they delved into the transformative potential of differentiation- innovation, skilling, and operational excellence in India’s chemical and petrochemical sectors.
Sharing a few key takeaways from the discussion:
1️⃣ Innovation and Operational Excellence:
“Automation and digitalization are like a chef’s secret sauce: it’s not just about having the ingredients, but how well you mix them with strategy and vision.”
From process optimization with digital twins to predictive maintenance, Industry 4.0 is reshaping our sector.
But the journey should begin by starting small, scaling fast, and learning quickly.
2️⃣ Purpose-Driven Innovation:
“Balancing cost and innovation is like walking a tightrope while juggling—it’s tough but necessary!”
Cost advantage is no longer enough; global markets demand differentiated products. From lightweight materials for automotive applications, noise insulation and reduction in electrical vehicles, to chemicals enhancing Li-ion battery efficiency, purpose-driven innovation is what will define our path to global leadership.
At Optime, we are consciously working to drive purpose-driven impact in these areas, aligning our efforts with the evolving needs of the industry and society.
3️⃣ Skilling and Upskilling the Workforce:
“Skilling the workforce in India is a bit like renovating your house while living in it—it’s challenging but essential.”
Our focus must shift from small d (incremental improvements) to Big R (Research) and Big D (Product Development). Building innovation ecosystems that encourage risk-taking and collaboration across academia, industry, and policymakers is critical to creating disruptive solutions and empowering a future-ready workforce.
The future of the Indian chemicals industry will be defined by its ability to innovate, invest in talent, and embrace disruptive change.
Together, let’s transform challenges into opportunities and set global benchmarks for differentiation.
